Research into the provision of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support in England has highlighted ‘inequalities’ and ‘blind spots.’
The report by the Education Policy Institute (EPI) found that pupils in academies and those from disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to receive necessary support.
EPI researchers suggested this might be due to under-identification, fewer SEND pupils enrolling in academies, or academies meeting needs without formal identification.
It might also be the result of delays in education, health and care plan (EHCP) assessments due to reduced local authority capacity.
The study also found councils had a limited impact on SEND identification, accounting for just 4% of the variation in the use of primary EHCPs, and 2% in secondary EHCPs, which entitle children to specific individual support.
Responding to the report, Cllr Arooj Shah, chair of the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Children and Young People Board, said it was ‘vital’ Government sets out its plans for reform of the SEND system in the upcoming Spending Review.
